Green Transformation: Empowering Communities Through Sustainable Waste Management Education
In a world grappling with climate change and environmental degradation, meaningful change often begins with education and community-driven action. Therefore, in an inspiring effort to blend education with environmental activism, the Biology Education Department at Tishk international university has launched a dynamic and multi-phase community service project titled “Green Transformation: Empowering Communities Through Sustainable Waste Management Education.” This initiative is rooted in the belief that sustainable change begins with informed, engaged communities. Through creativity, collaboration, and global conversation, the project aims to raise environmental awareness and encourage sustainable behaviors in our region and beyond.
1. Stage One: Theatrical Parody – A Creative Call for Action
Date: December 12, 2024
The kickoff to this green journey was both educational and entertaining. Under the theme ‘’Laughter, learning, and lasting impact, that’s how we opened minds through theater’’, a group of passionate Year 4 students; Gashbin Kazm, Mohamd Yonis, Hoger Junid, Mohammad Luqman, Sima Hawez, Kale Qadr, Asma Tofiq, Soma Bahadin, and Rabar Muhamad, supported by enthusiastic Year 2 students; Mohammad Ayobe, Akher Abdulla, Rezhin Nawzad, and Dilgash Nasrwalla, performed a parody theatrical scene in the Faculty of Education lobby.
Under the supervision of Ms. Sawsan Hamed, the students used humor and relatable everyday scenarios to highlight the urgency of environmental responsibility and proper waste management. The performance was met with laughter, applause, and deep reflection by the audience, which included the Dean, Heads of Departments, lecturers, and students. It wasn’t just a show — it was a spark of environmental consciousness ignited through art.
2. Stage Two: Grassroots Outreach – Taking the Message Beyond Campus
Date: May 21, 2025
To truly empower communities, the project reached out to the younger generation and everyday consumers through school and supermarket visits. Under Ms. Sawsan Hamed’s supervision, the students took the message directly into classrooms and neighborhoods:
Mohammad Ayoub visited Pekas School and Hewa School, delivering engaging sessions and distributing educational posters designed to highlight the importance of waste management and sustainability. Students were encouraged to adopt eco-friendly habits and become ambassadors of change within their schools and families.
Avan Muslih visited Waar Kindergarten, turning sustainability into play. Through fun activities, storytelling, and interactive games, Avan taught children the importance of keeping their surroundings clean. The young learners participated in “Clean & Green” games, learning how to dispose of waste properly and care for their environment — lessons they’ll carry with them for life.
The school visits were a lively blend of education, creativity, and action, reinforcing the idea that environmental responsibility starts at every age and level of society. These outreach visits turned classrooms into green learning spaces, sparking curiosity and care for the environment among young students. Simultaneously, visits to local supermarkets helped raise consumer awareness about waste reduction and sustainable living practices.
Each stage of this impactful project was documented through photos — from the smiles during the theatrical performance to the enthusiasm at the workshop, and the excitement of children during school visits. These images, to be posted alongside this article, tell a compelling visual story of learning, laughter, creativity, leadership, and lasting community impact.
The “Green Transformation” project is just getting started. The “Green Transformation” project is more than an event — it is a movement. A movement to transform not just waste, but mindsets. A movement to empower not just students, but entire communities. With each stage, we are not only educating but also building a culture of sustainability, action, and shared responsibility. We invite everyone, students, educators, professionals, and community members to join us on this green journey.
Because true transformation begins when we act together.
3. Stage Three: Going Global – International Workshop on Green Transformation
Date: May 22, 2025
After capturing hearts with a theatrical spark, the project took a leap onto the global stage with a powerful second phase by hosting an international workshop titled:
“Green Transformation: Empowering Communities Through Sustainable Waste Management Education.”
This workshop was under the belief that ” Empowered communities are the strongest line of defense against environmental collapse.” It was a major milestone in our project, gathering voices from academic, governmental, non-profit, and private sectors to foster a deeper understanding of sustainable practices. Rooted in the principles of SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being and SDG 13: Climate Action, the event focused on the critical intersection between environmental care and community empowerment.
Held both on-campus and via live stream, the workshop attracted a wide audience including community leaders, educators, university students, policy influencers, local municipality representatives, and international participants. It created a vibrant space for discussion, collaboration, and innovation around the topic of sustainable waste management. The workshop featured four dynamic keynote presentations delivered by a panel of two national and two international experts, each offering a unique perspective on environmental action:
Spoke about eco-education and technological innovations in waste management in Southeast Asia.
Shared grassroots strategies for youth mobilization and environmental advocacy in Kurdistan.
Highlighted the challenges and policies involved in managing climate risks through resilient community systems.
Presented on health care sustainability, hospital waste solutions, and how education can drive systemic change.
Following the presentations, participants joined breakout interactive discussions and networking groups and Q&A sessions, engaging directly with speakers and one another. Topics explored included:
The event didn’t end with words, it ignited commitments. Attendees pledged to incorporate the lessons learned into ongoing local initiatives, research projects, and community campaigns.
What made this workshop particularly powerful was the rich diversity of its participants. Teachers sat beside policymakers. Young students interacted with seasoned researchers. International experts exchanged ideas with local activists — all united by one mission: transforming waste into opportunity.
The Biology Education Department remains committed to continuing this journey, planting seeds of awareness, nurturing action, and cultivating a greener, more sustainable future for all.
